Author: angel

Apple launches iPhone 16e and ditches home button

Revamped entry-level iPhone is last to exchange touch ID home button for face ID, modern design – and a price hike

Apple has put the final nail in the coffin of the home button after 18 years with the release of the new iPhone 16e.

The lowest-cost new iPhone replaces the 2022 iPhone SE, which was the last Apple product standing with the touch ID button, finishing off its drawn-out demise, which started with the iPhone X back in 2017.

The iPhone 16e costs £599 (€709/$599/A$999) and offers a modern iPhone experience similar to the regular iPhone 15 and latest iPhone 16 but with a few bells and whistles removed to reach a slightly lower price. It replaces the previously cheapest available £599 iPhone 14 and £429 iPhone SE in Apple’s lineup, and thus marks a considerable price increase for the cheapest new iPhone when it ships on 28 February.

The new iPhone has an aluminium frame, glass front and back and an 15.4cm (6.1in) OLED screen, relegating the old-school iPhone design, with its chunky forehead and chins, to history. But the 16e is only available in black or white and has the older, notch-style cutout at the top of the screen from the iPhone 14, not the newer pill-shaped dynamic island design used by the rest of the iPhone lineup. The notch contains the face ID sensor that replaces the touch ID system for unlocking the phone and authenticating payment.

The phone starts with 128GB of storage and has Apple’s latest A18 chip, which enables the firm’s various AI tools, to bring the cheapest iPhone up to par with the rest of the line. It has 5G powered by a new Apple modem for the first time, emergency satellite messaging, charges via USB-C and has an action button instead of the mute switch in the side.

But the phone has only a single 48-megapixel camera on the back instead of the double or triple cameras of other iPhones, and lacks the recently added camera control button on the side.

Despite a sizable price hike over the outgoing iPhone SE, Apple will be hoping this beefed-up lower cost model can recapture some of the mid-range smartphone market and improve slumping sales in countries such as China. It may also help in moving a greater share of iPhone users on to devices capable of receiving Apple intelligence features, on which the firm has bet big to catch up to rivals such as Google’s Gemini on Pixel and Samsung devices.

9 Tips to Avoid Phone Addiction and Reduce Unnecessary Stress

If you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone, it might be time to implement some mindful phone usage habits.

Our phones provide instant access to information, communication, and entertainment. But with this constant connection comes the risk of phone addiction and the negative impact it can have on our mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that excessive phone usage can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as sleep disturbances and poor physical health.

So, how can we avoid phone addiction and reduce stress while still being able to enjoy the benefits of our devices?

Here are some tips to help you practice mindful phone usage and create a healthy balance:

1. Set boundaries for phone usage and stick to them. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless scrolling and notifications, but it’s important to set limits for ourselves. This can mean turning off notifications during certain times of the day, or setting aside specific times for phone usage. By creating these boundaries, we can prevent our phones from taking over our lives.

2. Use apps to track and limit phone usage. There are several apps available that can help you track and limit your phone usage. By seeing the data on your phone usage, you can become more aware of your habits and make changes to create a healthier balance.

3. Take breaks from your phone regularly. It’s important to give ourselves a break from the constant stimulation of our phones. This can be as simple as leaving your phone in another room for a few hours, or going for a walk without it. Taking a break from our phones can help us to relax, be more present in the moment, and engage in other activities that bring us joy and relaxation.

4. Create phone-free zones in your home. Choose certain areas in your home as phone-free zones, such as the bedroom or dining room. This will allow you to create boundaries and have designated times and places to disconnect from your phone.

5. Practice mindfulness when using your phone. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and fully engaging with what you’re doing. This can be difficult when using our phones, as we tend to multitask and constantly switch between apps and notifications. By practicing mindfulness while using our phones, we can focus on one task at a time and be more present in our interactions with others.

6. Unfollow accounts that cause stress or anxiety. Social media can be a great source of connection and inspiration, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. It’s important to curate our feeds to create a positive and stress-free environment. This can mean unfollowing accounts that make us feel negative or inadequate. Follow accounts that bring us joy and positivity.

7. Use your phone for self-care. Instead of using your phone as a constant source of distraction or entertainment, try using it as a tool for self-care. There are many apps and resources available for mindfulness and relaxation, such as meditation and yoga apps.

8. Disconnect from social media before bedtime. The blue light emitted by our phone screens can disrupt our sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep. To ensure a good night’s rest, it’s a good idea to disconnect from social media and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, try reading a book or listening to calming music to help you wind down.

9. Remember that it’s okay to disconnect sometimes. It’s important to give ourselves a break from technology and disconnect from our phones and other devices. This can be as simple as turning off our phones for a few hours, or going on a digital detox for a day or more. Taking a break from technology can be incredibly refreshing and help us recharge both physically and mentally.

Do you recharge yourself as much as you recharge your phone?

It’s easy to get caught up in the constant connectedness of our devices. Remember that our own well-being is as important as the well-being of our phones.

In conclusion, it’s important to use our phones mindfully to avoid causing unnecessary stress or disruption in our lives. By implementing mindful phone usage habits, we can reduce stress and live more balanced lives. Take breaks from your phone, unplug, and recharge yourself to enjoy a stress-free life.

Myths About Cell Phone Battery Life vs Truths

As phone technology has advanced over the years, so have the myths surrounding phone battery life. From the belief that charging your phone to 100% will ruin the battery, to the idea that using your phone while it’s charging will cause it to explode, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to phone battery life. In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about phone battery life.

Myth #1: Leaving your phone plugged in overnight will damage the battery.

Truth: It’s actually safe to leave your phone plugged in overnight, as long as you’re using a reputable charger and a surge protector. Most modern smartphones are designed to stop charging once the battery is full, so there’s no need to worry about overcharging. In fact, it’s better to charge your phone overnight rather than letting it run completely out of battery, as this can help prolong the battery‘s overall lifespan.

Myth #2: You should let your phone’s battery drain completely before charging it.

Truth: This is actually a myth that dates back to the early days of phone batteries. Today’s phone batteries are much more advanced and don’t suffer from the “memory effect” that older batteries did. In fact, it’s actually better to charge your phone before the battery is completely drained, as this can help prolong the battery‘s overall lifespan.

Myth #3: Closing apps will extend your phone’s battery life.

Truth: While it’s true that apps can use up your phone’s battery, closing them won’t necessarily extend the battery life. In fact, most modern smartphones are designed to manage apps efficiently, so closing them may actually use more battery power in the long run. If you want to extend your phone’s battery life, it’s better to focus on adjusting your phone’s settings and turning off features that you’re not using, such as GPS or Bluetooth.

Myth #4: Your phone’s battery will last longer if you keep it in airplane mode.

Truth: While it’s true that airplane mode can help extend your phone’s battery life by turning off features such as GPS and Bluetooth, it’s not always practical to use airplane mode all the time. Most modern smartphones are designed to manage power consumption efficiently. So turning on airplane mode may not make a significant difference in the battery life. If you want to extend your phone’s battery life, it’s better to focus on adjusting your phone‘s settings and using power-saving mode when you’re running low on battery.

Myth #5: Your phone’s battery will wear out faster if you charge it multiple times a day.

Truth: This is a myth that is often spread online, but it’s not true. In fact, most modern smartphones are designed to handle multiple charging cycles without any issues. The key to prolonging the lifespan of your phone’s battery is to use a reputable charger and avoid charging your phone to 100% every time. It’s also important to avoid letting your phone’s battery drain completely, as this can put strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan.

Myth #6: Using a phone’s fast-charging feature will damage the battery.

Truth: Fast-charging features are designed to quickly charge your phone’s battery without damaging it. In fact, using these features can actually be more convenient and efficient than charging your phone at a slower rate. However, it’s important to use a reputable charger and avoid using fast-charging features excessively, as this can put strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan.

Myth #7: Charging your phone in cold weather will damage the battery.

Truth: It’s actually safe to charge your phone in cold weather, as long as the battery isn’t completely drained. In fact, phone batteries are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, so there’s no need to worry about charging your phone in cold weather. However, it’s important to note that extremely cold temperatures can still affect your phone’s battery performance, so it’s best to keep your phone in a warm place if possible.

In conclusion, there are many myths about phone battery life that circulate online. By understanding the truths behind these myths, you can make informed decisions about how to care for your phone’s battery and extend its lifespan.

14 Cool Things Your Apple Watch Can Do

If you only use your Apple Watch to count steps and read texts, you’re missing out. A powerful, pint-sized computer that lives on your wrist, the device can be used for everything from checking your heart rate to checking out at the grocery store. And, yes, it makes for a sleek, regular-old timepiece, too. 

Whether you own the budget Apple Watch SE or the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2, the tips below can help you harness the many sensors, built-in tools, and customization options to make the model better meet your needs. 

To access the latest features and user experience, be sure your watch is updated to the most recent version of WatchOS 11.

If you’re still debating which Apple Watch to buy, we have a guide to help you decide. We also highlight a few of the best-rated models at the bottom of this story.  

In our Smartwatch Ratings, available to CR members, we offer the full test results for more than 60 models—scored on metrics like versatility, scratch and water resistance, and the accuracy of the step count and heart rate monitoring. Health and Fitness

Harness your watch’s sensors and features to level up your fitness.Pause Your Rings

You’re no doubt familiar with the three colorful Apple Rings that display your daily progress toward your movement, exercise, and stand goals. If you’re fond of closing those rings to maintain a streak, you can briefly pause and preserve that campaign when you’re sick or traveling long-distance.

In the Fitness app, click on your Rings and scroll down to Pause Rings.

You can also adjust the Ring goals to make them more or less challenging.

In the Fitness app on your phone, tap your profile picture on the top right and select Change Goals.Turn Your Watch into a Hiking Companion 

Within the Maps app, you can view turn-by-turn navigation on thousands of hiking trails, marked with trailheads and data like the route type and elevation changes. Download the map from your phone before you leave home and you can even consult it when you’re far from cell or WiFi service.

In the Maps app on your iPhone, tap on the finder icon and then your picture in the top right. Tap Offline Maps and select the portion of the map you’d like to have available on your watch.

Your Apple Watch can also connect to third-party iOS hiking maps like AllTrails or WorkOutDoors, which have more detailed trail information.

Don’t forget to log your hike as a workout from the beginning, too. That allows you to review detailed workout info, like your mapped route, mileage, elevation change, heart rate, and more.

Set Up a Sleep Schedule

Good sleep is foundational for good health, and your Apple Watch can help you get more hours of quality slumber. As you likely know, if you wear your watch to bed, you can pore over your sleep stats in the Health app the next morning. But you can also create a sleep schedule that alerts you via your watch when it’s time to wind down and get ready for bed. You can change your schedule for weekends and weekdays, too.

You’ll find the Schedule setting within your sleep data in the Health app. And don’t forget to turn on Sleep Focus before bed, so notifications don’t keep you up.Monitor Your Workout Intensity 

Unsure whether to push yourself during today’s workout? Apple’s Training Load feature analyzes the strain you’ve put on your body over the last week, relative to the last 28 days, letting you know if you’ve pushed way above or way below baseline.

To make use of the Training Load feature, you need to log effort scores for your workouts after completing them. (Fortunately, you can add the scores retroactively, too.) Review Training Load data within the Fitness app on your iPhone or watch. Safety

Better protect yourself using these Apple Watch tools.Protect Your Hearing

Repeated, long-term exposure to noise levels at or above 85 decibels can permanently damage your hearing, according to the World Health Organization. Your watch alerts you when ambient noise levels spike, allowing you to take proactive steps to protect yourself.

To change the decibel threshold at which your watch notifies you, go to the Watch app on your phone, select Noise, and then make a selection at Noise Threshold.

If you don’t want to be pinged about high noise levels, you can turn the feature off from the same settings menu. Connect to Emergency Contacts

You can reach your emergency contacts quickly by holding down the side button on your watch and dragging Emergency Call to the right, which will alert both authorities and your designated contacts. The watch can also alert the emergency contacts if it detects a fall.

To set up your emergency contacts, go to the Medical ID section of your phone’s Health app.Shine a Flashlight

When fumbling for your keys in a parking lot after dark or walking around your house late at night, you can turn your watch into a convenient on-wrist flashlight. Just press the side button to open the Control Center and tap the flashlight icon. You can swipe right to change the flashlight’s mode, choosing between a regular, red, or flashing light. To adjust the brightness, turn the digital crown on the side.View Hands-free GPS Navigation 

You can view step-by-step GPS directions on your watch display. This is handy if you need to, say, safely stay off your phone while driving or cycling. Begin navigation via the Maps app on your watch or phone. You can also ask Siri to start navigation on your watch using a voice command.Productivity

Save time and reduce how often you have to fiddle with your phone.Pare Down Notifications 

Given the chance, your watch will buzz day in and day out with all manner of alerts from your phone. To prevent it from becoming a nuisance, you can limit notifications to those you truly want to see. Ideally, this also reduces how often you pick up your phone.

Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, choose Notifications, then toggle off all unwanted apps. To further reduce distractions, turn on Do Not Disturb or Personal modes as needed.Tap to Make Purchases

Like your iPhone, your Apple Watch is equipped with NFC technology that lets you securely make purchases at checkout. You need to have your debit or credit card information stored in your iPhone’s Wallet app. Once that’s set up, you just double-click the side button on your watch and hold the display up to the contactless card reader. A haptic buzzing confirms that the payment went through. You can also review any purchases made with your Apple Watch in the Wallet app.Personalization

Make your watch work better for you by making it your own.Choose Your Favorite Watch Face

Don’t be afraid to show off your style. There are dozens of custom watch face options for the Apple Watch. Some spotlight activity goals, the local weather, or even the lunar cycle. Others look like a traditional analog watch. Tap and hold down your display and scroll to the right until you see “New” with a plus symbol. From there, you can browse Apple’s options and add ones you like to your personal collection.Swap Out the Complications

The tools and apps displayed on your main watch face—aka the complications—are easy to swap out. Just hold your finger down on the display until you enter editing mode. From there, you can choose between dozens of complications—like the weather, your day’s schedule, the watch’s battery percentage, or your text alerts. These easy-access apps spare you from tapping around on your watch more than necessary.Scale Up Text Size

Struggling to make out the tiny text on the display? Press the side button on your watch to open the Control Center. Then select Aa and scroll to select the text size that works for you. You can make other changes to your watch’s appearance, too. From the Accessibility section in Settings, you can increase the color contrast, change the color filters, adjust the minimum brightness of your display in low-light conditions, and more.Make the Vibration More Prominent

If you don’t notice the buzz on your wrist, you can make the vibration stronger. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics, and select Prominent haptics. Keep in mind that a stronger vibration can drain the battery faster.

5 bad habits that are ruining your expensive tech

There’s something special about taking a new phone, tablet, or laptop out of the box. That shiny, clean device will soon be managing your schedule, saving your memories, and connecting you with friends and family—all important tasks.

These days, we rely on technology to do so much—for work, for school, for play—and we want our devices to work like new for as long as possible. But it doesn’t always happen, in part, because of bad habits that can shorten the life of our tech.

The good news is that those habits are easy to change. We’ll walk you through them and offer five simple tips from our experts about how to keep your devices working like new for longer.

1. Using chargers and cords that aren’t made for your device

Cheap, off-brand chargers may seem appealing, especially when your battery is running low and you’re away from home. But many of these knockoffs haven’t gone through the same testing process that, say, Apple® requires. These off-brand chargers are not only less efficient for charging your battery but also dangerous: They can install viruses on your devices or cause them to overheat and even catch fire.

2. Cleaning your devices with harsh disinfectant wipes—or not cleaning them at all.

Your phone, your laptop, your tablet, your gaming system—they’re all filthy. So filthy that one study from the University of Michigan found 10 times more bacteria on the average phone than on the average toilet seat. Yuck. It makes sense if you think about it. We pick up our phones more than 300 times a day, and we use them almost everywhere, including in the bathroom.

The importance of keeping your tech clean goes well beyond germs. Regularly wiping off dust and debris keeps them out of your device’s ports and away from their internal components. Doing so will extend the life of your tech and keep it working like new. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to clean your devices. The wrong way involves ordinary household cleaning agents, like harsh disinfectant wipes, which can damage your device’s screen. The right way involves spraying a microfiber cloth with a 50/50 solution of alcohol and water, then wiping down your phone or laptop screen.

Want a deeper clean? Let an expert handle it, so you don’t accidentally harm your devices. On your own, you can get rid of germs and the superficial crust and gunk that accumulates over time. But an expert can safely use precision tools to clean the most important parts and ports—like the microphone, speaker, and charging ports—from the inside out to keep your tech in top shape.

3. Charging your device overnight

It may seem like a reasonable thing to do, but studies on lithium-ion batteries have shown that frequently letting a battery drain, then charging it up to 100% leads to a shorter battery lifespan. Leaving a full battery plugged in can also lead to overcharging, which wastes energy and adds to your utility bills.

Instead, try keeping your device somewhere between 40% to 80% charged, or charging it 2 to 3 hours before you go to bed. This will keep your battery working like new for much longer. Many newer smartphones have charge-delay features that prevent your battery from overcharging, but if you’re trying to get the most out of an older device, stick to the 40% to 80% rule.

4. Forgetting to restart your devices

We all need a break sometimes, and the same goes for your devices. Restarting once a week can help clear your device’s memory, refresh your software, and reboot any apps that may be malfunctioning.

Restarting can also help reduce charging issues by closing battery-draining programs and applications as well as clearing out any bugs.

5. Neglecting to buy a case, a cover, or a protection plan

It always seems to happen in slow motion: that moment when your tablet slips from your grip and falls to the ground. Cracked screens, spills, and accidental drops happen to all of us. Buying a sturdy case—even better if it’s waterproof—and a screen protector will help to keep your device and all its ports protected and working as they should.

How to back up your iPhone and Android phone

You know how important it is to back up your computer, but are you also remembering to back up the data on your smartphone? Thankfully, backing up your phone is simple and can be completed in just a matter of moments. So if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, you won’t have to worry about how you’ll get all those irreplaceable photos and videos from your device back.

Asurion Experts are here to help you with all of your tech care needs. In this article, they’ll share everything you need to know to back up your iPhone® and Android™ devices.

What does backing up your phone do?

Backing up your phone makes sure that you don’t lose any of the data that’s important to you, such as your:

Contacts.

Photos and videos.

Wi-Fi network and passwords.

Music.

Apps and app settings.

Email.

Passwords.How to back up your phone to a cloud service

Cloud storage services like Google Drive™, part of Google One™, and Apple® iCloud® provide spaces to save files, photos, and documents, via the internet. Ensuring that personal data is securely backed up and retrievable from anywhere.How to back up your Android phone

Directions on how to back up your Android phone can vary—the instructions for a Samsung Galaxy® S22 will be different than, say, the Google Pixel™ 6. An easy solution is to use Google Drive to save a copy of your photos, videos, messages, and other items in your cloud. Using Google One, you’ll get 15 GB of free Google Drive cloud storage and be able to access your content on your phone, computer, tablet, or another device with the Google One app installed.

To back up your Samsung phone to Google Drive:

Open Settings.

Tap Accounts and backup.

Tap Back up data. If prompted, enter your Google username and password.

Make sure the Backup by Google One switch is on, then tap Back up now.

From this screen, you can also choose to set up automatic backups going forward. If you’d like to only back up while using Wi-Fi in order to save battery and data, be sure the Back up using mobile data option is turned off.

To back up your Pixel phone to Google Drive:

Go to Settings.

Tap Google, then tap Backup.

If prompted, enter your Google username and password.

Make sure the Backup by Google One switch is on, then tap Back up now.

Need help restoring your backup onto a new Android device or after you’ve completed a factory reset? Check out our guide on how to restore your Android phone.

How to back up your iPhone to iCloud

Backing up your iPhone keeps personal data and information safe in case of device damage, loss, or replacement. It’s also a great way to free up storage space.

Before you get started, make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and that you have your Apple® ID and password to sign into iCloud—if you need help, check out our guide on how to set up iCloud.

Tap Settings, then tap on your name.

Tap iCloud.

Tap iCloud Backup.

Tap Back Up Now.

Be sure to stay connected to your Wi-Fi network until the process completes. To make sure that the backup finished, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. The time of the last successful backup should appear on the screen.

How to back up your iPhone on your computer

On a Mac running macOS® Mojave 10.14 or earlier or a PC, you’ll use iTunes® to back up your iPhone. Here’s how:

Open iTunes.

Connect your device to your computer with a cable. Enter your passcode if prompted.

Click on the iPhone icon in the upper-left corner.

Click Summary > Back Up Now.

On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, you’ll use the Finder® to back up your iPhone. Follow these steps:

Open Finder.

Connect your device to your computer with a cable. Enter your passcode if prompted.

Click on your device under Locations in the left column.

Click General, then select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.Click Back Up Now.

Once you’re backed up, you’re now protected in case you need to perform a factory reset on your iPhone or if you get a new phone and need to easily transfer your data. Check out our guide to how to restore your iPhone for next steps on getting your information back on your device.

Foldable and slim iPhones could soon become the new norm

Apple’s iPhone lineup is about to go through a huge shift, at least if this leak is to be believed — as will our list of the best smartphones. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo outlined the predicted release window for every single iPhone up until the second half of 2027, and we’re seeing new products becoming the new norm, and a shift in Apple’s usual release strategy to make room for them.

Corroborating an earlier report from The Information, Ming-Chi Kuo laid out Apple’s plans for its upcoming iPhones, and there are a few interesting tidbits in here. First, we might see Apple ditch the release calendar we got used to, as it was in place since 2011.

The iPhone lineup is now said to be split, with the budget phones being released early in the year and the high-end portion of the lineup following in the second half. In fact, this schedule that’s so familiar to us is now said to come to an end in 2025, and 2026 will usher in a completely new release schedule for the iPhone.

Following Kuo’s predictions, we’ll see the iPhone 17 emerge in the second half of 2025. This includes the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Slim, and the base iPhone 17. This will be followed by the iPhone 17e, breaking cover in the first half of 2026. That’s a predictable release cadence, with the iPhone 17e launching about a year after the release of its predecessor.

The second half of 2026 is when the shift begins, and the focus moves from base iPhones to Apple’s newer products, including the foldable iPhone and the iPhone Slim. We’ll see the launch of the first foldable iPhone, as well as the iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Slim. Those hoping for the base model of the iPhone 18 will need to wait longer.

This kind of shift lets Apple shine a light on its new, hotly anticipated foldables and the slimmer iPhone, and quite right, too, as they’re set to make a reappearance soon after. The first half of 2027 will see the launch of the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e, but the second half will, once again, be littered with exciting products, including the second-gen foldable iPhone, the iPhone 19 Pro Max, iPhone 19 Pro, and the iPhone 19 Slim.

With a focus on the high-end products in the second half of the year, Apple might benefit from the holiday season and push its more expensive, newer products forward. Meanwhile, the base and budget-oriented options will follow later, during a lull in the market, and around the same time as Samsung’s yearly Android release — keeping the spotlight on Apple all-year-round.

Children under six should avoid screen time, French medical experts say

Children under the age of six should not be exposed to screens, including television, to avoid permanent damage to their brain development, French medical experts have said.

TV, tablets, computers, video games and smartphones have “already had a heavy impact on a young generation sacrificed on the altar of ignorance”, according to an open letter to the government from five leading health bodies – the societies of paediatrics, public health, ophthalmology, child and adolescent psychiatry, and health and environment.

Calling for an urgent rethink by public policies to protect future generations, they said: “Screens in whatever form do not meet children’s needs. Worse, they hinder and alter brain development,” causing “a lasting alteration to their health and their intellectual capacities”.

Current recommendations in France are that children should not be exposed to screens before the age of three and have only “occasional use” between the ages of three and six in the presence of an adult.

The societies suggest the ban on screens should apply at home and in schools.

They wrote: “Neither the screen technology nor its content, including so-called ‘educational’ content, are adapted to a small developing brain. Children are not miniature adults: their needs are different needs.”

They add that every day health professionals and infant school teachers “observe the damage caused by regular exposure to screens before they [children] enter elementary school: delayed language, attention deficit, memory problems and motor agitation”.

The experts suggest regular exposure to screens – however brief – has also had a negative effect on children’s social and emotional development. They suggest the problem affects all social groups, but particularly disadvantaged households leading to greater “social inequalities”.

Alternatives including “reading aloud, free play, board games or outdoor games, physical, creative and artistic activities”.

The letter says: “It would occur to no one to let a child of under six cross the road on their own. Why then expose them to a screen when this compromises their health and their intellectual future?”

Last year, a report commissioned by France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, found that French three- to six-year-olds spent an average of 1 hour 47 minutes a day in front of a screen in 2014-15, the latest available research. Since then, however, only one of the commission’s recommendations, concerning the exposure of under-threes to screens, has been implemented.

Former prime minister Gabriel Attal has gone further, proposing to ban children under 15 from social media, with an online “curfew” for 15- to 18-year-olds halting their access to social media at 10pm.

Should You Cover Your Laptop Camera When It’s Not in Use?

You’d be hard-pressed to find a laptop that doesn’t have a built-in webcam nowadays. While that makes it easier to hop on a Zoom call or FaceTime, you might worry about leaving that camera uncovered all the time.

According to Steve Blair, CR’s lead privacy and security researcher, it’s possible for webcams to be hacked and set to record audio and/or video without your knowledge.

The odds of that happening to an everyday consumer (as opposed to a high-profile target like an activist or government worker) are probably low. But if you’re concerned, you can cover the camera with a bit of tape when it’s not in use.

You can also buy stick-on laptop camera covers that slide shut. Some laptops, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad and the MSI Prestige (below), have built-in privacy covers for their webcams.

Even if the camera is covered, the built-in mic could still pick up audio. To address that, you can go into the system settings and switch the default microphone to a different device, like a USB headset or an external microphone, then simply disconnect or turn off that device.

Why Do Power Banks Charge So Slowly?

We’ve all been there. You’re about to head out the door, and your phone’s battery is hanging by a thread. You grab your power bank, plug it in, and wait. But instead of the speedy charge you’re hoping for, your device seems to crawl along at a snail’s pace.

So, why does charging your phone from a power bank feel so much slower than charging it from the wall?

1. Power Banks Aren’t Designed for Speed

It’s easy to assume that a power bank will charge your device just as fast as your wall charger, but that’s not always the case.

Power banks, by their very nature, are designed to be portable, efficient, and safe. While they can store and transfer power, they’re not built with the same high-speed charging capabilities as wall outlets, which are directly connected to the mains electricity.

2. The Limits of Battery Chemistry

Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. These batteries are efficient but also have limitations. To ensure safety and longevity, they charge and discharge at a slower rate than the electrical grid can provide. Charging too quickly can lead to heat buildup, which not only shortens the lifespan of the power bank itself but also increases the risk of overheating or even damage to your phone.

3. The Role of Output Power (Amps and Voltage)

The output of a power bank plays a major role in how quickly it can charge your devices. Power is measured in watts, and the formula is simple: Watts = Volts × Amps. If your power bank has a lower output (say 5V/1A or 5V/2.1A), it will charge slower than a more powerful power bank with outputs like 5V/3A or even 9V/2A for fast charging.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some power banks use “smart charging” technology, which adjusts the output based on the device you’re charging. If your phone can’t handle higher speeds, the power bank will dial back its output, which can make the charging time feel longer.

4. The Cable Factor

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the power bank itself but the cable you’re using. A low-quality or damaged USB cable can significantly slow down charging speeds. Cheap cables often have thin wires that can’t efficiently carry the current needed for fast charging. If you’re serious about getting the fastest charge possible, investing in a high-quality, fast-charging cable could make a noticeable difference.

5. Device Compatibility

Not all devices are created equal when it comes to charging. Older smartphones, for instance, don’t always support modern fast-charging protocols like Qualcomm Quick Charge or USB Power Delivery. Even if your power bank supports these protocols, your device may not, leading to slower charging times.

On the flip side, newer smartphones often have fast-charging capabilities, but if you’re using a generic power bank that doesn’t support those specific charging standards, you won’t see the speed you’re hoping for. Check if your power bank supports the same fast-charging technology as your phone to maximize efficiency.

6. Battery Health and Age

Another often-overlooked factor is the health of your power bank’s battery. Over time, the internal battery of a power bank degrades, just like the one in your phone. As it ages, the power bank may not be able to hold as much charge, and its output may decrease, resulting in slower charging speeds. If your power bank is a few years old and isn’t charging as quickly as it used to, it might be time to upgrade.

Qi2 certified, this power bank offers up to 15W wireless charging speed without the clutter of cables. If you prefer wired charging, the USB-C port supports charging speeds up to 20W, ensuring fast and efficient power delivery.

With a 5000mAh capacity, it’s enough to keep your phone powered for a day of basic use — perfect for those who need an on-the-go solution without the bulk, ideal for long workdays, travel, or weekend outings. Plus, its magnetic design allows it to easily attach to the back of your phone, making it incredibly convenient. The MagSafe compatibility means it works flawlessly with iPhone 12 and newer models, and most Android phones when used with a MagSafe case.

The power bank is not only functional but also thin, light, and portable, making it a breeze to carry in your pocket, bag, or travel kit. The aramid fiber weave texture not only adds a premium look and feel but is also surprisingly tactile — it’s a pleasure to touch and hold.

To cater to different preferences, the power bank comes in a range of stunning colors. Whatever your style, there’s a color that matches your personality.Conclusion

While charging your phone via a power bank can feel slow at times, understanding the reasons behind it can help you manage expectations.

If you’re serious about fast charging, you’ll need to choose the right power bank and ensure your device is compatible with fast charging standards. At the end of the day, having a reliable power bank for those on-the-go moments is invaluable, even if it sometimes takes a little longer than you’d like.